No Hope in New Jersey, The Kites, Arconna, Drift - Esquires, 16th September 2005
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
Having spent an enjoyable day out by the sea in Brighton, I arrived at the venue anticipating a fine evening's entertainment. Although I was slightly disappointed with the turnout, after my previous rants I was pleased to note that most punters stayed to support all four bands tonight!
These are exciting times for tonight's Promoters, Hairgel. Not only have they put on some excellent bands already, they have some real blockbusting names lined up for the future. The emphasis tonight was rock with a hard and tough veneer.
Drift made their second appearance of the year and gave a compelling performance. This local band were solid and competent and songs such as 'Silent Sentences', 'See it my Way' and 'one Who Lost' made for an enjoyable set.
Following them were Peterborough's Arconna. I can't recall seeing this band before but I was suitably impressed with their set. Opening with 'Back to Square One', they kept everyone enthralled before finishing strongly with 'Etch my Shape' and 'Under Lowlight', which both feature on their excellent mini-album entitled 'Hurt Like a Paper Aeroplane in my Side'.
And so to the next band The Kites, who I must admit did not impress me the last time they played the venue (you didn't have to deal with the e-mails from their disgruntled fans! - Esquires Editor). Tonight however I have to hold my hands up and admit they did get my foot tapping! Their set was polished and professional and this three piece blasted their way through a seven song set that won me over (Phew! Ed).
Headlining tonight were a band that surely must be destined for loftier heights. Hailing from Manchester, No Hope in New Jersey opened their set with their superb single 'Decline'. Oozing both class and confidence, songs like 'Waste', 'Regret' and 'Invaders' pummelled the heads of the small but enthusiastic crowd! Look out for them in bigger venues very soon!